Protesters Gather In Non-Violent Vigil

Even though the process is going forward, opponents of the death penalty are gathering in a non-violent vigil.

It’s a very somber time at the State Penitentiary. About 75 people are taking part in the protest of the execution. Many of them have been praying, there’s singing and also moments of silence. Protesters are also crying over what’s happening.

Around 10 p.m. protesters gathered in a circle and waited for word on what was happening inside.

Some of these people have been here since 4:30 Monday afternoon.

The vigil is held by several groups within the state who disagree with the death penalty and would like to see it abolished. And while most of them do not support Robert's actions, they say killing him is not the solution.

"And I don't believe the death penalty serves any purpose, helps anybody. I think that, if anything, it provides a bad example for us as a society with how we're supposed to act when we're hurt to hurt someone else," protester Travis Schulze said.

"I just hate to see death all the time," protester Chet Cordell said. "As a society, we see a lot of that. Violence in the street, violence here, violence is tough."

Several other vigils have been organized across the state, including Rapid City, Vermillion and Pierre.

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:A misspelling was corrected in this story.